Hey everyone, it’s been a while.
Life has changed a lot for me over the past few years. There’s been heartbreak and miracles, struggles and breakthroughs. But through it all, Jesus has carried me, even in the moments I didn’t know how to move forward.
This orc sculpt is more than just personal work. It’s a symbol of everything I’ve been through, and a tribute to someone who helped light this creative fire in me.
In 2021, I lost my father. It was a painful turning point in my life.
We shared a love for fantasy, for VFX and art, and most of all, we loved orcs!
One of the things we enjoyed together was the Warcraft movie. That film lit the spark that started my journey into 3D character art.
So this piece is also for him.
This Orc is battle-scarred, a reminder that pain can shape us, but it doesn’t define us.
This is for you, Dad.
In 2022, I moved from South Africa to the U.S. to chase a dream, to build a future in VFX.
It wasn’t easy. I had to leave behind my mom and little sister, which was heartbreaking, but I knew I had to try.
Massive thanks to my Uncle Neil, Aunty Maria and Aunty Natasha, who opened their home and hearts to me. They’ve supported me financially, mentally, and spiritually, helping me grow into the man I’m becoming.
And to my family back home, especially my mom and little sister, your love has kept me going even on the hardest days.
By the end of 2023, I was nearly forced to return home. I had finished my associate’s degree but had no funds to continue. I was on the brink of losing everything I had worked for here, my education, my friends, my dream.
So I did what I’ve always done when I hit rock bottom, I prayed! Jesus made a way.
I was offered a full scholarship to study at Full Sail University. It’s extremely rare, and I still don’t fully understand how it happened, but I know God opened that door.
Thank you President Gary Jones and Chief of Staff Vernon Rainwater for believing in me!
If you’re a student, or have ever been one, you know the grind.
At Full Sail, it’s intense. Classes from 9 AM to 5 PM. Daily Assignments. Late nights in labs, sometimes finishing past 11 PM. It’s overwhelming at times. But it’s also rewarding.
Each project is a step closer to the dream, and every failure is fuel to do better.
Sculpted in ZBrush (every pore and detail by hand)
Textured in Substance Painter
Hair styled with XGen
Rendered in Arnold for Maya
This was created in between intense schoolwork, and I learned so much while making it. It’s one of my proudest pieces so far.
I graduate in November 2025, and I’m working hard to build a portfolio that can land me a work visa sponsorship.
It’s scary, but I’m all in.
To the students out there grinding.
To the artists burning the midnight oil.
To the dreamers holding on by faith, you’re not alone.
Keep on working hard, praying, and you’ll get there!
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
If you connected with this work or story, I’d love to hear from you, whether it’s feedback, a similar journey, or just a hello.
Let’s keep moving forward, for our families, for our dream, and for the fire that never goes out!
I’m sure he’s looking at you and is extremely proud of you. Congrats on the scholarship too.
